EXCLUSIVE: Texas AG Defends Necessity Of 20-Week Abortion Ban

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton described why a ban on second trimester “dismemberment” abortion procedures is necessary in an exclusive interview Friday with The Daily Caller News Foundation.

“We aren’t trying to ban abortions, women can still get abortions, we’re just trying to stop babies who can feel pain from being ripped apart,” Paxton told TheDCNF. “Science has shown time and time again that these babies feel pain and it is our utmost duty to do everything we can to protect the lives of these unborn children.”

His statement comes after U.S. District Judge Earl Lee Yeakel III has repeatedly blocked the ban on dilation and evacuation, or dismemberment abortions, according to NBC News. “It is in the public interest to preserve the status quo and give the parties ample opportunity to develop the record regarding the constitutional questions raised without subjecting plaintiffs or the public to any of the act’s potential harms,” the judge ruled. (RELATED: Texas Judge Blocks Abortion Restrictions From Taking Effect).

Illegal immigrant Jane Doe’s recent abortion might set a dangerous precedent for illegal immigrants, according to Paxton. “I think it will certainly send a message to illegals that they can get pregnant, come to the U.S., and we’ll make sure they get an abortion,” he said.

“But this doesn’t mean we’re going to stop fighting,” he said. He added it’s important to note that the court didn’t rule Doe had a constitutional right to an abortion, since she doesn’t have all the rights and privileges of an American citizen.

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